-
Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Full-Day Snorkeling Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran
Join us on the Adventure of a lifetime around the crystal clear turquoise and untouched waters of the Whitsunday Islands. Departing Airlie Beach you will board Thundercat a certified climate action leader and custom-built vessel to suit your next adventure – say goodbye to seasickness! During this action-packed day you will explore the world-famous Whitehaven…
-
Reef & Whitehaven Landing
Discover the magnificent Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef in style, on Reef & Whitehaven Landing experience! This premium tour features all the highlights of the region, plus 1 ½ hrs of beach time at dreamy Whitehaven Beach.
-
Scenic Flight – Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet!
Enjoy a 60 minute scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef, including Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet!See the Whitsundays from above with a stunning Whitsunday 60 minute scenic flight over the islands and Great Barrier Reef, including famous Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach.Enjoy a bird’s eye view of many of…
-
Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight and Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Beach Day Trip
Experience the best of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef in one day with a Whitsunday scenic flight and Ocean Rafting adventure! Experience the Whitsundays’ ultimate destinations… Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and secret snorkelling locations.Enjoy a bird’s eye view of many of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, fly over Whitehaven Beach and picture…
-
Sunset Charter and special event
Sailing the Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef. – Snorkelling around the Whitsunday Islands best fringing reefs. – Spectacular coral and marine life. – Meals freshly prepared onboard. – Evening Eco slide show capturing the days activities. – A visit to the beautiful Whitehaven Beach and bush walk to Hill Inlet. – Overnight stay at South…
-
Three Night Cabin Charter MiLady
MiLady has the smallest numbers on any sail in the Whitsundays. We promise to look after all of your needs the minute your step on board. We have won 3 Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence with her sister ship Providence V as we do care about your enjoyment. We know the Whitsundays well and can…
-
VIP & Private Airport Transfers
With our Mercedes-Benz V-Class vehicles, VIP and discerning guests travel in new levels of comfort, adventure-seekers experience every moment even more intensely and passengers reach their destination as comfortably and stylishly as ever.The intelligently designed interior, space has never been this flexible. With versatile seating options, we can accommodate up to 7 passengers through a…
-
2 night Whitsunday Islands Cruise on Atlantic Clipper from Airlie Beach
The Atlantic Clipper is the biggest and most popular vessel out on the water in the Whitsundays for the 18-35 market. It is a must do tour on the East Coast and provides breath taking 2 day 2 night excursions of the amazing Whitsunday Islands, part of the Great Barrier Reef marine park.This 54 passenger,…
-
Whitsunday Segway Rainforest Discovery Tour
Glide through the pristine Whitsunday Conway National Park on a 3.5-hour guided Segway tour. The only Segway tour in Australia to operate in a full rainforest National Park. Your tour includes full training informative commentary by your experienced tour guide, courtesy bus pickup and drop-off from your Airlie Beach hotel and a delicious and fresh…
-
2-Night Whitsunday Islands All-Inclusive Sailing Tour from Airlie Beach
Experience Tongarra, a custom built catamaran that offers an on-board living and sailing experience that is hard to match, enabling you to see the best of the Whitsunday Islands. Tongarra is ideal for singles or groups and is geared towards the young, fun-loving, adventurous backpacker (with a sense of humour). Spend 3-days, 2-nights exploring Whitehaven Beach…
-
Whitehaven Beach and Daydream Island Cruise
Visit two gorgeous destinations in one day: Whitehaven Beach and Daydream Island. Dig your toes into the most beautiful sand on Earth before heading to the Whitsundays’ newest island paradise, the Daydream Island resort.
-
Whitsunday Islands 1-Hour Reef Scenic Helicopter Tour
Enjoy the best views of the Whitsunday Islands, Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach, and the Great Barrier Reef including the Heart Reef, on our Reef Scenic Helicopter Tour. This is a fantastic must do experience if you’re short on time!
-
2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef
Spank Me Whitsundays 2 day/2 night adventure tour explores the World Heritage-listed Whitsunday Islands, visiting Whitehaven Beach and snorkeling the fringing Great Barrier Reef. You can help the crew and pull up the main sail, otherwise relax on the spacious deck and enjoy the view of the pristine Whitsunday Islands. The 82-foot sailing vessel Spank…
-
2 Day Great Barrier Reef “Reefsuites” Experience
Moored offshore at Hardy Reef, 40 nautical miles from Airlie Beach, Reefworld is the setting for your spectacular overnight Reefsuite experience. Begin your journey with a cruise through the Whitsunday Islands to Hardy Reef onboard our high-speed vessel, arriving at the reef around 11am. After lunch, guests can snorkel, dive, swim or take a scenic…
-
Whitehaven Heli Tour
Fly directly to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach with aerial views of the Whitsunday Islands on a 2-hour Whitehaven helicopter tour. Arriving on the beach in style, you’ll have 1.5 hours to enjoy this pristine beach, voted the best in Australia.
-
3 Day & 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Maxi Sailing Adventure on Hammer
– Experience real adventure sailing!- Spend up to 5 hours at Whitehaven Beach & visit Hill Inlet Lookout – Visit up to 4 snorkelling locations to check out the magnificent fringing reef around the Islands (all part of the Great Barrier Reef Marina Park) – Enjoy bush-walks and hikes (with lookouts and stunning views) -…
-
4 Day & 3 Night Whitsunday Islands & Outer Reef Sailing Adventure on Broomstick
– Experience real adventure sailing!- Spend a WHOLE DAY at Whitehaven Beach & visit Hill Inlet Lookout – Visit up to 6 snorkelling locations to check out the magnificent fringing reef around the Islands (all part of the Great Barrier Reef Marina Park)- Visit & snorkel the outer reef (weather permitting)- Enjoy bush-walks and hikes…
-
2 Night Whitsunday Islands Cruise on New Horizon from Airlie Beach
New Horizon is truly the best value for money vessel on the market. She is a stunning 21-meter traditional sailing vessel that has beautiful old-world charm with modern comforts such as air conditioning.She is a 21m sailing schooner that accommodates 32 passengers and 4 crew. She has 2 showers, 2 toilets, plenty of sheltered outdoor…
-
Airlie Beach Jet Boat & Banana Boat Thrill Ride Combo
Jet Boat and Banana Boat Combo, the ultimate adrenaline experience!Join us on a 30-minute jet boat tour will get your adrenaline soaring, as you zoom past the glamorous Coral Sea Marina; perform 360s, 180s, drifts and power stops/nosedives; all while taking in magnificent views of the Whitsundays as you cruise around the stunning blue waters…
-
2-Night Private Charter Aboard Cruising Yacht Milady
MiLady has the smallest numbers on any sail in the Whitsundays. We promise to look after all of your needs the minute your step on board. We have won 3 Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence with her sister ship Providence V as we do care about your enjoyment. We know the Whitsundays well and can…
-
Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise to Reefworld
Do you want to experience a close encounter with the famous Great Barrier Reef, then this is it! Enjoy a cruise out to the reef, where you’ll moor up next to Heart Pontoon. From this innovative and spacious pontoon, you can snorkel and dive the tropical waters until your hearts content. Top up you tan…
-
Private Group Eco Tour
Discover absolute natural beauty in ancient rainforests, atop awe-inspiring mountains, on secluded coral beaches or beneath refreshing waterfalls on this private, half day, guided bushwalking tour. Absolute Airlie’s private tours allow you to create your very own bespoke tour by choosing from a range of walks and places of natural beauty. Choose your companions, set…
-
One Way Only – Airport Transfer share shuttle service
We provide as much as possible, door to door Airport Transfers at Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) from/to Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket and Shute Harbour. We stop at all ports, resorts, hotels, airbnb’s and private addresses. As we use fully air-conditioned 13 & 24 seater buses this means fewer stops; therefore getting you to your…
-
Full-Day Whitsunday Sail and Snorkel Adventure with Lunch
Explore some of the Whitsundays best-kept secrets. Fun and informative ECO tour guides. Relax on the deck of Tongarra as she sails to the top of Hook Island and feast on delicious snacks and lunch. Snorkel at the best fringing reef the region has to offer.Enjoy a fun Red Shark ride and explore Langford Sand…
-
4 Day & 3 Night Whitsunday Islands & Outer Reef Sailing Adventure on Condor
– Experience real adventure sailing!- Spend a WHOLE DAY at Whitehaven Beach & visit Hill Inlet Lookout – Visit up to 6 snorkelling locations to check out the magnificent fringing reef around the Islands (all part of the Great Barrier Reef Marina Park)- Visit & snorkel the outer Great Barrier Reef (weather permitting)- Enjoy bush-walks…
All about Airlie Beach
When to visit
Blessed by a subtropical climate, Airlie Beach is great to visit at any time of year. It is also a particularly appealing winter escape; while more southern areas of Australia are feeling the chill, Airlie Beach enjoys some of its best weather from June through September. This period is also the best time to spot migrating humpback whales. The town can get very busy during the country’s three-week school holiday in September and early October, so avoid that window if you don’t like crowds.
Getting around
Airlie Beach is compact, and you can reach most attractions and services by foot. A public bus connects the town with Prosperpine and Shute Harbour, and you can also see more of the area by booking a tuk-tuk tour. If you’re arriving by plane, you’ll want to book a shuttle service to reach your hotel. Airlie Beach is also the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands; the departure points for tours to the archipelago are located in the town center or very nearby.
Traveler tips
While most visitors use Airlie Beach as a base for sailing trips around the Whitsunday Islands, there’s plenty of natural beauty to see on the mainland, too. Head to Conway National Park, just south of town, to explore multiple hiking trails, swaths of ancient rainforest, mangroves, and secluded beaches and to look for wildlife, including paradise kingfishers and the Proserpine rock-wallaby. Guided tours departing from Airlie Beach offer a convenient way to see it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Airlie Beach known for?
Airlie Beach is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the main port for ferries and cruises to Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays. The lively seaside town also has renowned nightlife, white sand beaches, and accommodation options for everyone from backpackers to luxury travelers.
How do I spend a day in Airlie Beach?
With just one day in Airlie Beach, most travelers opt for a day trip to Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday Islands. For the ultimate experience, include a seaplane or helicopter flight over Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef, and then cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef to swim and snorkel.
Can you swim at Airlie Beach?
Yes, Airlie Beach has two beaches—Airlie Beach and Boathaven Beach—both a short walk from the town center. The rocky shores of Airlie Beach are better suited for sunbathing than swimming, and Boathaven Beach has white sands and a summer swimming area complete with a stinger net.
What is there to do in Airlie Beach at night?
Renowned as one of Queensland’s party capitals, Airlie Beach has a buzzing nightlife and a lively backpacker scene. Bars, restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs line the main street, Shute Harbour Road, where you can spend the night sipping happy hour cocktails, tucking into tapas, and dancing into the early hours.
How long is the ferry from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island?
Ferries from Airlie Beach take about 60 minutes to reach Hamilton Island (depending on weather conditions). Up to nine passenger ferries depart daily from the Port of Airlie Marina, arriving at Hamilton Island Marina. Ferries also depart from Shute Harbour (just south of Airlie Beach), taking around 35 minutes.
Is Airlie Beach worth visiting?
Yes, Airlie Beach is the closest ferry port to explore the lower Great Barrier Reef or cruise out to Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday Islands. Not to mention it has white sand beaches, buzzing nightlife, and the rainforest hiking trails of the Conway National Park right on its doorstep.